Numerical Weather Prediction at 60: A journey of innovation at the Met Office

Numerical Weather Prediction at 60: A Journey of Innovation at the Met Office

Sixty years ago, the Met Office began a transformative journey that revolutionized weather forecasting in the UK and globally. The introduction of numerical weather prediction (NWP) in 1965 marked a crucial turning point, bringing scientific breakthroughs, technological advances, and steadily improving forecast precision.

The Early Beginnings of NWP

The foundation of NWP at the Met Office traces back to the early 1950s, when pioneers like Fred H. Hinds, guided by John S. Sawyer, conducted initial experimental forecasts using the EDSAC computer at Cambridge. Though constrained by the technology then available, these efforts paved the way for future developments.

Key Milestones in NWP Development

In 1959, the Ferranti Mercury computer, nicknamed “Meteor,” was installed at Dunstable as the first dedicated computer for NWP research.
The real breakthrough came in 1965 with the English Electric KDF9 computer, known as “Comet,” at Bracknell.
On 2 November 1965, the Met Office created its first operational computer forecast, an event widely covered by the media, marking the dawn of a modern era in weather prediction.

Legacy and Future Outlook

Since that pivotal moment, decades of rapid progress have advanced forecasting capabilities significantly. As the Met Office celebrates 60 years of NWP, it continues to innovate and improve weather prediction for the future.

“The adoption of numerical weather prediction in 1965 marked a turning point, ushering in an era of scientific advancement, technological innovation and ever-improving forecast accuracy.”

Author’s summary: The Met Office’s 60-year journey with numerical weather prediction showcases continuous innovation and substantial progress in advancing global weather forecasting.

Met Office — 2025-11-04